1) The medical term for the “flu” is Influenza. Contrary to popular belief, it is a respiratory illness.
2) The flu often peaks in January or February, but vaccines are given from September through March, and cover the 3 main strains of influenza that research has shown to be most common during the upcoming season. You do NOT get “the flu” from the flu vaccine. It is not a live vaccine, so it is not even possible.
3) The flu presents with body aches, high fevers, chills and sweats, dry cough, headache, fatigue, and weakness.
4) Yes, unfortunately you CAN still get “the flu” even if you have been vaccinated. There is a strain running rampant right now in patients who both have and have not been vaccinated. Those who DID get a vaccine only seem to have symptoms for 2-3 days. Those unvaccinated could suffer for 5-7 days.
5) Main treatment for “the flu” is rest, hydration, and chicken noodle soup. There IS an anti-viral agent (Tamiflu) that when taken within 48 hours of your first symptoms can shorten the length of illness.
6) Gastroenteritis, or what some call “the stomach flu,” is also running rampant right now. It is NOT prevented by the flu vaccine.
7) The flu is very contagious. Hand washing is KEY.

Information obtained from the handout given to you after receiving the flu shot (that nobody ever reads), www.cdc.gov/flu, and the lovely nurses at The Nebraska Medical Center. For additional information please visit the following websites: http://www.flu.gov/  or  www.kidshealth.orgKidsFlu Center.

Comments provided by guest writer Kostya Etus, CLS  Senior Trading Specialist

0209-CLS-1/18/2013